Archive for May, 2019

I am very excited to announce that I have been awarded the Médaille D’Etain (Pewter Medal) from the Socièté Académique Arts-Sciences-Lettres de France.

This is an award with over 100 years of history given to those who have demonstrated success in the Arts at the highest of quality. Not being a French citizen, as of yet, this is quite an honor. I was selected last fall by French painter Dominique Boutaud, who is a USA Representative of the Arts-Sciences-Lettres, and in February I submitted a portfolio about my musical life. It was an immense project taking most of January to prepare and weighing in at 7lbs!

The process of collecting and reflecting on the last 15+ years of my musical life was extremely rewarding. I was reminded of so many wonderful collaborations, travels, and exciting people in my life because of music. Also, I have done a lot! It is easy to get caught only looking forward in an art that is, for the most part, ephemeral. This was a gift I did not expect, but needed.

I am extremely grateful to the many composers who have entrusted me with their creations. Your encouragement and artistic honesty continues to inspire me daily.

There is an awards ceremony in Paris on June 22nd hosted by the ARTS-SCIENCES-LETTRES society at the Hotel Inter Continental, during which the diplomas and awards are given to the recipients. Diplomas of Medal of Platinum, Gold, Vermeil, Silver, Pewter and Bronze, awarded by the Superior Commission of the Rewards.

A lovely side note. I learned recently that Monaco artist Claude Gauthier has won multiple medals from ASL. You may recognize his work as the cover art on my first CD: Tracing a wheel on water.